Zantedeschia (calla Bianca)

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Zantedeschia

Species

aethiopica

Description

Very common tuberous herbaceous plant along canals and ditches. It is sold in pots, even large ones, and used for both indoor and outdoor ornamental purposes, depending on the climatic conditions.
It has very showy, deep green foliage from which the distinctive inflorescences emerge.

Although it is a perennial, it goes into dormancy if kept outdoors as temperatures drop, where it completely loses its vegetation and then vegetates again the following spring; indoors above 10/12°C it retains its foliage.
Cut flowers are often available from spring to early summer and are very long-lasting.

Curiosities and special features

The part that we consider to be a 'flower' is actually a bract, i.e. a modified leaf, which contains within it a series of male and female flowers, the former being pollinated above all by beetles. The fact that the ornamental part is a bract is an advantage because it lasts longer than real flowers and is therefore highly valued.

Origin and distribution

The calla lily, native to southern Africa (Mozambique and South Africa), arrived in Europe in 1731 and then quickly spread throughout the continent.

Leaf

The leaf blade is oblong and sagittate.

Leaf colour

It has foliage of a homogeneous, glossy deep green shade.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.8 to 1.2 m, depending on the variety.

Lifespan

Evergreen or semi-deciduous herbaceous perennial.

Where to plant

The particularity of the inflorescence as well as the bearing and size attained make it ideal as a bedding plant and pot plant.

Stem

The long petioles are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, large form with single-coloured petals. It is arranged in large spadix-shaped inflorescences. It flowers from late winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 100 days. It is mildly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to beetles, bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The erect habitus is visually reinforced by the long petioles.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

For Calla the ideal pH of the substrate or soil is slightly acidic, between 5.8 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting in the flower bed, remove any weeds and bulky pebbles, continue by evenly burying organic or chemical fertiliser.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of exposure: light source indoors, half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 23 °C.

In areas with cold winters if grown in a bed, it is advisable to protect the rhizomes with a layer of mulch, whereas if in a pot, it should be placed in a bright indoor location.

Use

Appreciated for its inflorescences, it is used, depending on climatic conditions, in
External ornamental field Indoor ornamental area

Calla inflorescences are widely used as cut flowers for fresh compositions.

Hardiness

Of medium hardiness, it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

Requires medium and fresh soil. If grown in pots, use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for green plants.

Difficulty

Providing the right environmental growing conditions, cultivation of Calla lilies is fairly easy.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips for better growth and full flowering:
Always keep the substrate moist Requires regular abundant fertilisation

Planting

Apply an average bedding density of 3 plants per square metre.

Bury the rhizome while leaving the vegetative apex above the soil surface, checking beforehand that it is healthy and free of breaks.
Remove any infected or rotting rhizomes.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed, however, division by separation of the tubercles is more easily applied.

Watering

Avoid heavy watering immediately after transplanting.

During the growing season water the substrate or soil directly on a regular basis, keeping it moist but not saturated with water and preventing water surges that cause the plant's basal leaves to turn yellow.

Under conditions of water shortage, the roots become irreversibly dehydrated.

During the winter, if temperatures are low, reduce or suspend watering.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, apply a balanced, liquid universal fertiliser to the substrate or soil and dilute in the irrigation water.

Do not overdo the dose and frequency as Zantedeschia requires regular fertilisation but fears excess, especially in conjunction with water stress.

Do not fertilise on dry substrate or soil.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

It contains toxic substances such as calcium oxalate.

Tip

The thing it fears most is heavy drying or water stress where the roots can dry out and then rot when rehydrated. Do not change the pot often but only when it has been completely filled by the vegetation, or if it is made of earthenware it breaks from the pressure of the bulbs.